How Do You Measure Area in AutoCAD?

by

Measuring area in AutoCAD is an essential skill that every CAD drafter should possess. Whether you are designing a floor plan, creating a land survey, or calculating the area of an object, AutoCAD provides powerful tools to accurately measure area. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to measure area in AutoCAD and understand their applications.

Method 1: Using the AREA Command

The AREA command in AutoCAD allows you to measure the area of closed objects such as polygons, circles, and closed polylines. To use this command:

  1. Select the objects for which you want to measure the area.
  2. Type “AREA” in the command line and press Enter.
  3. AutoCAD will prompt you to specify a point as the origin of your measurement. Choose a suitable point by clicking on it.
  4. The measured area will be displayed in the command line.

This method is particularly useful when dealing with simple geometric shapes. However, it may not provide accurate results for complex and irregular shapes.

Method 2: Using Hatch Patterns

Hatch patterns can also be used to measure area in AutoCAD. Hatch patterns are commonly used to fill areas with patterns or colors but can also serve as an effective tool for measuring area. Here’s how you can use hatch patterns to measure area:

  1. Select the boundary of the area you want to measure.
  2. Type “HATCH” in the command line and press Enter.
  3. In the Hatch Creation dialog box, select a suitable pattern such as “Solid” or “ANSI31”.
  4. Click inside the boundary to hatch the area.
  5. AutoCAD will display the area of the hatched region in the command line.

This method is especially useful when measuring irregular or non-closed areas, as you can manually define the boundary using polyline or spline tools.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Plugins

If you frequently work with complex geometries or require more advanced area measurement tools, consider using third-party plugins. Several plugins are available for AutoCAD that provide additional functionality for measuring area and performing advanced calculations. Some popular plugins include:

  • AutoField: This plugin allows you to automatically calculate and label areas in AutoCAD drawings.
  • MultiSUITE: This plugin specializes in calculating areas for building services design and includes features like automatic labeling and reporting.
  • CADPower: This powerful plugin offers a wide range of CAD productivity tools, including area measurement utilities.

Before using any third-party plugin, make sure to do thorough research, read reviews, and ensure compatibility with your version of AutoCAD.

In Conclusion

Measuring area accurately is crucial in any CAD project. AutoCAD provides different methods for measuring area, including the AREA command, hatch patterns, and third-party plugins. By utilizing these tools effectively, you can ensure precise measurements and enhance your productivity in AutoCAD.

Note: When measuring area in AutoCAD, always double-check your units and scale settings to avoid any inaccuracies. It is also recommended to check your local regulations or industry standards regarding area calculations for specific applications.